The Phillies avoided arbitration with their longest-tenured player Thursday as they signed Freddy Galvis to a one-year contract.
The contract, as reported by MLB.com, is worth $4.35 million. It is more than double what Galvis made last season when he hit 20 homers and was one of the National League's best defensive shortstops. Galvis batted just .241 and registered a .274 on-base percentage, the lowest among all qualified batters.
Galvis cannot become a free agent until after the 2018 season. The Phillies' other arbitration-eligible players are second baseman Cesar Hernandez and relief pitcher Jeanmar Gomez. Friday is the deadline for teams and players to submit arbitration figures.
Galvis, who is entering his sixth season, became the team's longest-tenured player after Ryan Howard departed. He is likely playing out his final stretch at shortstop with the impending arrival of No. 1 prospect J.P. Crawford. Galvis could move to second base, which is occupied by Hernandez, or could transition into a utility role.
He can play each infield position and even has experience in the outfield. Galvis is lauded for his leadership, which will likely keep him around as the team's prospects begin to reach the majors.
